Isotretinoin Acne Treatment (Roaccutane)

Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) is an oral retinoid used to treat severe and chronic forms of acne in adults and young people over 12 years of age. This acne treatment is very effective in preventing further scarring.

What is a Isotretinoin Acne Treatment (Roaccutane)

Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) is an oral retinoid used to treat severe and chronic forms of acne in adults and young people over 12 years of age. This acne treatment is very effective in preventing further scarring.

What is involved in a Isotretinoin Acne Treatment (Roaccutane)

Oral Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) can only be prescribed by a Dermatologist as it is a specialist medication. There is a broad range of acne medications available and the Dermatologist will firstly assess if Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) is the most suitable treatment for you. It is not suitable for female patients who are pregnant or trying to conceive, or in cases where patients have a history or susceptibility to depression.

The Dermatologist will calculate a dosage for the treatment, and treatment typically lasts for 4 months through to 6 months. Baseline blood tests are required before commencing testing full blood count (FBC), liver function tests (LFTs), urea and electrolytes (U+E’s) and cholesterol (fasting lipid profile). A repeat test is required 4 to 6 weeks into treatment, and in some cases further repeat tests are required. Female patients will need to have regular pregnancy tests and ensure that robust contraception is in place.

The Dermatologist will review patients every 4-8 weeks, and may increase the dosage as part of the review appointment.

It is not uncommon for patients to experience an increase in acne when starting treatment, and at each point that dosage is increased.

What are the risks or potential side effects of a Isotretinoin Acne Treatment (Roaccutane)

Side effects can include

Headaches

Joint and muscle pain, back pain

Dryness and cracking of the skin and lips

Dry irritated eyes, inflammation of eye lids

Skin rash, mild itching

Dry mouth

Dry nose, potential nose bleeds

As well as avoiding excess sun exposure, patients should also minimise alcohol consumption.

What aftercare is required for a Isotretinoin Acne Treatment (Roaccutane)

While being treated it is important that patients:

Avoid wax epilation, dermabrasion and laser skin treatment during treatment and for 6 months after treatment.

Minimise excess sun exposure and use high SPF factor broad spectrum sunblock when in the sun

Use plenty of moisturiser, particularly on the lips (we recommend Vaseline petroleum jelly)

For female patients, avoid becoming pregnant

Some patients may need to repeat treatment with Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) in the future.

Acne scars will tend to fade over a period of six months once treatment has finished. Laser procedures such as ipixel / fraxel /resurfacing may be suitable at that point for further improvement of the skin.

What is the cost of a Isotretinoin Acne Treatment (Roaccutane)

Patients will need to be seen for an initial consultation and then typically for 3 follow-up appointments. Blood tests are required prior to treatment and then during treatment and we can organise those tests at a charge (around £90 – £110 per test), or your NHS GP may be able to perform those tests for you (that is at the discretion of your GP and their trust). Medication costs around £25-40 per month supply of 20mg tablets depending on which pharmacy you go to, and the typical dosage ranges from 40mg/month through to 80mg/month.

So total treatment cost including consultations, blood tests and medication would be expected to cost around £900 – £1,800 for the complete course.